CONTROVERSIAL plans to regenerate Shepherd’s Bush Market are edging closer to reality after being recommended for planning approval.

Developers Orion Shepherd’s Bush Limited are hoping to rejuvenate the 98-year-old market as part of an ambitious project that will also include 194 luxury apartments up to seven-storeys high, a new row of 13 terraced houses, and piazzas.

It would also see a row of historic Goldhawk Road business torn down and relocated.

Shop owners on the stretch, which dates back to the 19th Century, are taking their fight to the High Court with their judicial review into the council’s consultation process set to be heard on May 15 and 16.

But the decision on whether to grant Orion outline permission for the scheme will be made at the council’s planning committee on Wednesday night (8/1).

And councillors are being told to give it the green light by planning officers in their recommendation document despite a raft of objections about the height of the plan, the complete lack of any affordable housing provision and a petition from the 150 market traders.

It says: “The proposed regeneration of the market should encourage independent retailing and accommodate existing market traders, while attracting new investment and traders.

“Although affordable housing is not being provided as part of the proposals, the wider regenerative benefits for the market and the local area are considered to take precedence, securing the future of the market.”

Traders met with Orion bosses at a Bush Hall meeting on Monday to discuss their concerns about compensation, rent increases and design.

James Horada, chairman of the Shepherd’s Bush Market Tenant’s Association, said: “The information we are getting is still quite general. The fact there is a proposal to regenerate the market is a wonderful thing because we have been trying to encourage this for a long time.

“Orion have set aside £500,000 for compensation. But if you spread that out over 150 traders it is £3,000 which is not really enough. We need to find something is sensible and suitable for everyone. There is a lot of work to be done.”

Chris Horn, Orion director of regeneration, said: “The outline planning permission, if we get it, will be very basic and we will continue dialogue with traders and the council about the finer details of the project.

“We hope we have a planning application that can be pleasing for everybody. The meeting with traders was useful and were are happy to be in constant dialogue with them.”